What We Know About Michał Oksiński, the Gunman Behind the Kraków Mass Shooting
A deadly shooting in central Kraków, Poland, has left six people dead and 15 injured after 24-year-old Michał Oksiński allegedly killed members of his family before opening fire on passersby on November 7.
Police officers shot and wounded Oksiński during the incident. He later died in hospital. Polish authorities have described the attack as an act of terrorism, although the gunman’s motive remains unclear.
Investigators have found no note or manifesto explaining why he carried out the attack, which has been described as one of the deadliest mass killings in modern Polish history.
Who Was Michał Oksiński?
Michał Oksiński was a 24-year-old Polish man who worked as a lathe operator. He lived in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, a town approximately 200 kilometres from Kraków.
After completing technical school, he began working at the Ostrowiec Refractory Materials Plant.
His mother worked as a salesclerk, his father was an electrician, and his younger sister studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków.
Oksiński had no criminal record and had never served in the military. People who knew him described him as withdrawn, while his grandmother said he was shy and particularly attached to his mother.
Gun Permits and Weapons Found During the Attack
Oksiński and his father both held firearms permits.
He had been a member of a shooting club since 2022. In early 2026, he received permission to own two firearms, a rifle and a pistol.
His father was licensed to keep nine additional firearms.
During the Kraków attack, Oksiński was found carrying two pistols, two AR-15 rifles and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.
Investigators believe he used firearms belonging to both himself and his father. The weapons and ammunition found with him indicated that he had prepared for the shooting.
Oksiński Killed His Parents and Sister Before the Attack
Before travelling to Kraków, Oksiński allegedly killed his parents, Janusz, 53, and Renata, 52, as well as his younger sister, Magdalena, 21.
Investigators discovered their bodies inside the family’s apartment.
According to the available information, his father and sister were killed in their beds, while his mother was found in the kitchen. All three were wearing sleepwear and had been shot twice in the head.
The family’s two cats were also shot and killed.
Investigators believe Oksiński may have used a silencer, which could explain why neighbours reportedly did not hear the gunshots.
After the killings, he took his father’s car and drove to Kraków. The reason he chose the city as the location for the subsequent attack remains unknown.
Possible Far-Right Extremist Motive Under Investigation
One of the main theories being examined by Polish authorities concerns possible far-right extremism.
On November 10, Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said Oksiński had visited websites devoted to Anders Breivik. A Gadsden flag was also reportedly displayed in his home, while markings discovered at his workplace were described as possible indications of far-right extremist views.
Żurek said the findings supported a theory previously raised by Poland’s Interior Ministry.
However, authorities have not conclusively established that far-right extremism was the motive behind the attack.
Investigators continue to examine the available evidence as they seek to understand why Oksiński carried out the killings.
Former Classmates Recalled Disturbing Drawings
Accounts from Oksiński’s former classmates have also attracted attention during the investigation.
While attending school, he reportedly drew scenes of attacks in a notebook. Some former classmates recalled that he occasionally sketched scenarios involving an attack on a school.
They said they did not take the drawings seriously at the time, although they sometimes joked that he might eventually hurt someone.
Despite these recollections, Oksiński reportedly had no behavioural problems at technical school.
His neighbours also described him as someone who generally kept to himself. He was often seen wearing a hood and a mask when going outside.
His grandmother remembered him as a shy person who was very close to his mother.
Police Shot Oksiński During the Kraków Attack
The shooting ended after police officers shot and wounded Oksiński. He was taken to hospital but later died.
The bodies of his parents and sister were discovered at the family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.
Polish authorities have described the incident as an act of terrorism, but the exact motive has not been established.
The investigation is examining his background, access to firearms, reported online activity and other evidence that may help explain the attack.
Key Facts About the Kraków Mass Shooting
- Gunman: Michał Oksiński
- Age: 24
- Nationality: Polish
- Attack date: November 7, 2026
- Location: Central Kraków, Poland
- Reported deaths: Six people
- Reported injuries: 15 people
- Family members killed: His father, mother and younger sister
- Weapons found: Two pistols and two AR-15 rifles
- Ammunition: Approximately 500 rounds
- Police response: Officers shot and wounded Oksiński
- Gunman’s death: He later died in hospital
- Possible motive: Far-right extremism is being investigated but has not been conclusively established
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Michał Oksiński?
Michał Oksiński was a 24-year-old Polish man identified as the gunman behind the November 7, 2026, mass shooting in Kraków.
2. When did the Kraków mass shooting happen?
The attack took place on November 7, 2026, in central Kraków, Poland.
3. How many people were killed in the Kraków shooting?
The attack left six people dead and 15 injured, according to the reported details.
4. Who were the family members killed by Oksiński?
He allegedly killed his father, Janusz, aged 53, his mother, Renata, aged 52, and his sister, Magdalena, aged 21, before travelling to Kraków.
5. What weapons did Michał Oksiński carry?
He was found with two pistols, two AR-15 rifles and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.
Latest Poland and International Crime News
The Kraków mass shooting has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack, Oksiński’s access to firearms and the possible motives behind the killings. Polish authorities continue to investigate the evidence, including reported extremist connections, while the motive remains unconfirmed.
For more updates on international crime, security developments and breaking world news, follow News As It Happens.
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